Granted, this is a very subjective list that's difficult to winnow
down from the
huge number of tasty books that are in the webBikeWorld library.
Surely, arguments can be made for one or another book to replace a
volume on this list and it's just as certain that there are other
books that could easily make a list of additional reading. But
today, right here and now, that's my list and I'm sticking to it.

Why these three in particular, you might ask? Well,
Streetbikes: Everything You Need To Know is just that -- Bill
Stermer tackles an impossible task and does a bang-up job at it.
As we said in that review, a new motorcycle owner could read the
book and join a motorcycle discussion group and be pretty confident
that no one would guess they're a newbie.

Proficient Motorcycling is the "Bible" of safe riding
practices and is required reading for every motorcyclist, new or
experienced. Like several other motorcycle riding skills
books, it should be read quite regularly and at least once per year.

But here's where it gets interesting: I'm nominating the
self-published and modestly named Motorcycle Handbook by John
Hanney for the clean-up spot in this triumvirate because every
motorcycle owner needs to have -- or will have -- an intimate
relationship with his or her machine.

There's just no getting around the fact that riding a motorcycle
melds the rider and machine into a single tactile and sensory
blending of flesh and metal. The hands touch, feel and grip
the bars; the rider's weight affects the movement and balance and
the sounds and smells are unavoidably forced upon us.

To be a successful and safe motorcycle rider the owner must have
intimacy with and knowledge about the machine. The motorcycle
must always be in perfect running order for the rider to remain safe
and for the ride to be enjoyable.

OK, enough said -- but how does one gain this knowledge?
Wouldn't it be nice to have a seasoned motorcycle mechanic as a
mentor, who can impart their skills and experience whenever it's
needed? That's exactly what this book does. It's like
rubbing the lamp and John Hanney the Genie appears from the vapor
cloud to answer all of your questions.

The book is self-published and slightly crude, which gives it the
exact charm that it needs. Although no single topic is covered
in great depth, the breadth of information is amazing; 63 chapters
covering everything from the Airbox and Filter to Workshop Repair
Manuals, in alphabetical order.

Realistically there's not much detail that can be covered on all of
these topics in 122 pages, but for a new owner or for anyone who
wants to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of their machine,
The Motorcycle Handbook is an excellent place to start.